Bound To Stay Bound

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Booklist - 02/01/2014 Shortly before she turns 13, Lavender sums up her situation mathematically: “Short hairy cavegirl + glasses = loser.” Her few friends are outnumbered by the group of cool girls who, routinely, publicly put her down. When popular Scarlet magically and inadvertently switches bodies with Lavender on their thirteenth birthdays, each girl is thrown into a new family and a new set of friends, as well as sudden, unforeseen challenges. Each learns a good bit about the other’s situation while seeing herself from a new perspective. The girls’ alternating first-person narrative plots their journey through shock, confusion, and frustration to insight and change. While the body switch is not a new idea, Standiford uses it effectively in this engaging story. Though swiftly drawn, even the minor characters are convincing, and the two leads are memorable in their separate ways. This well-paced novel will appeal to readers who loved Wendy Mass’ popular 11 Birthdays (2009), which it resembles both in tone and in its use of a magical element. - Copyright 2014 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 02/01/2014 Gr 4–6—Lavender and Scarlet are as different as two people can be. Scarlet is tall, blond, and popular while Lavender is short, stumpy, and so covered with dark hair that she is called Yeti, Furby, or Hairball. The only common factor shared between them is their birth date. Hoping to get the leading role in the school play, they each recite a good-luck verse told to them by the drama teacher. Upon awakening, they find themselves in the other's body. In this tale of winners and losers, bullies and victims, Standiford creates authentic characters in situations most middle schoolers have experienced or witnessed. Scarlet is called the Plastic Princess by her stepbrother, yet Lavender as Scarlet tames her vanity a bit and tries to befriend him. On the other hand, Scarlet as Lavender becomes much more attentive to her hygiene and appearance. As the girls are forced to work together to figure out how to switch back they become supportive and loyal to each other. Standiford makes a statement about self-identity and empathy without moralizing. The magic and humor of the situations combine to create an enjoyable story.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

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